Principal Chemical Engineer - Plant Operations

Placements24; Randburg; Vor Ort; ZAR 1.800.000 - 2.400.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive base salary

Annual bonus

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Wellness programs

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Chemical Engineer in Randburg to oversee safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex chemical processing units. You will provide expert technical leadership, drive process improvement, troubleshoot advanced issues, and mentor a team of engineers.

This senior role requires a deep understanding of large-scale chemical manufacturing, with focus on operational excellence, plant performance, and compliance with EHS regulations.

Qualifikationen

• 12+ years of experience in chemical plant operations.
• 5+ years in a senior or principal engineer role.
• Deep expertise in process safety principles (HAZOP, LOPA, SIL).
• Experience with MOC and RCA processes.
• Legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Aufgaben

• Provide senior technical leadership for plant operations and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems affecting plant performance, yield, and product quality.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for significant incidents and implement preventive measures.
• Develop and execute strategies for continuous improvement in efficiency, energy use, and waste reduction.
• Oversee process safety management activities, including hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with maintenance and reliability teams to ensure equipment integrity and minimize downtime.
• Review and approve process design modifications and MOC procedures.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level chemical engineers, fostering technical excellence.
• Prepare and present technical reports, operational reviews, and capital expenditure proposals.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Kenntnisse

Leadership

Process safety

Troubleshooting

Communication

Mentoring

Project management

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

MATLAB

Data analysis software

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client is a leading force in the petrochemical industry and seeks a highly accomplished Principal Chemical Engineer to oversee critical aspects of plant operations in Randburg, Gauteng . This senior role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of complex chemical processing units. You will provide expert technical leadership, driving initiatives for process improvement, troubleshooting complex operational issues, and mentoring a team of talented engineers. This is a hands-on position that requires a deep understanding of large-scale chemical manufacturing and a commitment to operational excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the plant's performance, contributing significantly to the company's bottom line and its commitment to responsible industrial practices. Your expertise will be vital in navigating the challenges of a demanding operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership and direction for plant operations and process optimization.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex operational problems affecting plant performance, yield, and product quality.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for significant operational incidents and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and execute strategies for continuous improvement in efficiency, energy consumption, and waste reduction.
• Oversee process safety management (PSM) activities, including hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Collaborate with maintenance and reliability teams to ensure equipment integrity and minimize downtime.
• Review and approve process design modifications and management of change (MOC) procedures.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level chemical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Prepare and present technical reports, operational reviews, and capital expenditure proposals to senior management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• B.Eng. or B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in chemical plant operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or principal engineer role.
• Extensive experience in troubleshooting and optimizing continuous and batch chemical processes.
• Deep understanding of process safety principles, including HAZOP, LOPA, and SIL analysis.
• Proficiency in process simulation tools and data analysis software.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with management of change (MOC) and root cause analysis (RCA) processes.
• Familiarity with industry best practices in operational excellence and reliability.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly attractive compensation package, including a competitive base salary, annual bonus, and comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• We invest in our employees' professional development through ongoing training, opportunities for further education, and career advancement paths.
• The role is based in Randburg, Gauteng , offering a dynamic work environment.
• Employees will have access to company-sponsored wellness programs and other valuable benefits.